Alpaca Fiber: The Complete Guide to Yarns
When we talk about 100% alpaca fiber, we refer to a natural material of the highest quality, valued for its unique characteristics of warmth, lightness, and softness. However, there are important distinctions to understand this world better and make informed choices when purchasing alpaca products.
There are only two main types of 100% alpaca fiber, differentiated by their degree of softness and fineness:
- Baby Alpaca: This is the finest fiber, collected from the first shearing of the animal, particularly from softer areas like the under-throat. Baby alpaca is renowned for its exceptional softness and lightness, while also being very durable and long-lasting.
- Alpaca: This category includes the rest of the collected fiber, which is still extremely fine and comfortable. Although slightly less soft than baby alpaca, it still offers an excellent combination of warmth and durability.
100% Alpaca Yarns and Mixed Yarns
With alpaca fiber, various types of yarns are created, which can be divided into two main categories:
- Blended yarns: These combine alpaca fiber with other materials like synthetics, wool, or a combination of both. Common examples include:
- Alpaca + synthetic
- Alpaca + wool
- Alpaca + wool + synthetic
- Alpaca + baby alpaca + synthetic
- Pure yarns: These are made from 100% alpaca fiber. Even within this category, there are further distinctions:
- Rustic alpaca: This is a less refined type of alpaca. Although coarser than other fibers, it has the advantage of being particularly strong and durable.
- Fine or super fine alpaca: Despite the different terms, these labels indicate the same quality of alpaca, often used for marketing purposes. These are refined and high-quality fibers.
Differences in 100% Alpaca Yarns
100% pure alpaca yarns can vary in thickness. The main types of yarn used for knitting sweaters are:
- 2/16: A thinner yarn, ideal for lightweight, breathable garments.
- 3/10: A slightly thicker yarn, perfect for warmer, more durable winter sweaters.
Alpaca Yarns: Myths about “100% Royal Alpaca” and “Alpaca Soft” yarns
Despite terms like “100% Royal Alpaca” or “100% Alpaca Soft” suggesting a pure composition, these are actually blended yarns. These yarns contain pre-defined percentages of alpaca mixed with wool or acrylic to achieve specific characteristics of lightness, elasticity, or durability.
Alpaca Yarns: The Case of Bouclé Yarn
Lastly, another popular type of yarn is 100% alpaca bouclé. Despite the name, this yarn is not completely pure but is made up of 89% alpaca and 11% acrylic (either recycled or not). The acrylic thread is used to wrap the alpaca thread, creating a curly and fluffy texture, resulting in particularly soft and voluminous garments.
The Production of Alpaca Wool in Peru
Alpaca wool production in Peru is rooted in the animal’s natural habitat, the Andes. The alpacas are raised freely in their native environment, where they graze on the natural vegetation that grows in the highlands. This grass, which is rather coarse and tough, naturally grinds down the alpacas’ teeth, preventing the stress of requiring a specialized veterinarian to trim them, as their teeth grow continuously.
The natural diet of the alpacas contributes to the high quality and softness of their wool. In Peru, the tradition of creating and dyeing alpaca yarns has ancient origins, with expertise passed down through generations for thousands of years. This long-standing experience enables Peruvian producers to create some of the softest and finest alpaca yarns in the world.
Alpaca Fiber: Conclusion
Choosing the right alpaca yarn depends heavily on its intended use and personal preferences. If you’re looking for a completely natural and sustainable garment, opting for 100% alpaca, especially baby alpaca, is the ideal choice. However, for those seeking garments with more specific features, such as greater elasticity or durability, blended yarns can offer an excellent compromise.
We hope this guide has helped you better understand the fascinating world of alpaca fiber!
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